Coastal and inland trails in Préfailles

Starting point: car park near the church.
(S/E) Head down towards the Grande Plage.

^GR®8markings: White and Red

Take the wide coastal path heading south-east. On your left, admire the beautiful villas, reminders of this seaside resort’s heyday. Walk along the rocky foreshore.

(1) Reach the first beach: Margaret Beach, and pass by the iron-rich spring that once enjoyed its moment of glory (on the right, small steps). Pass two fishing huts and arrive at Port Meleu Beach.

^GR®8markings: White and Red +^PR® Yellow Pasquin route

(2) Continue along the coastal path. The coastline becomes wilder: jagged sea cliffs, crevices and caves. Pass the Centre des Amis de la Nature campsite.

(3) The path now runs alongside a vast stretch of coastal heathland, ideal for the nesting of several species of passerines.
Reach Plage de l’Étang, indented with several coves (a beach where naturism is tolerated).

^PR® Yellow Pasquin route

(4) Leave the^GR®8, which continues south-east, and turn left onto a wide, ascending path (signposted Ker Bidet) and follow this path due north. Pass a barrier and a car park and continue until you reach a small road.

(5) Turn left onto the Chemin de Choiseau, passing the imposing Raitrie farm on your right.

No signposting

Take the Chemin de Palette (Yellow Cross and dead-end sign). Follow this path due south, reach a car park on the left and pass a barrier bearing the signs “no parking for motor vehicles” and “beware of fire”. Continue downhill. At a right-hand bend with a house (sign: ‘No parking for any motorised vehicles’), turn left onto a path at the edge of the heath and reach the coastal path. Several paths cross; choose the one leading down towards the sea (south).

^GR®8markings: White and Red +^PR® Yellow Pasquin route

Turn right and follow the outward route for about 400 m.

No markings

Look out for old iron posts on the cliff side and turn right onto an ascending path leading into a pine-wooded area. Please note, the start of this path is relatively inconspicuous. Further up, it widens as it runs alongside the woodland.

(6) Reach a gate and take a wide track, initially heading east before turning due north. Continue to the junction with another track (dead-end sign and Pasquin track behind you)

^PR® Yellow Pasquin route

(7) Return to the^PR® you left earlier and turn left. Follow this path, which leads to a car park on the right. Turn left onto Chemin de Biochon, then right onto a path. Pass a driveway leading to a property on your left and turn right. Follow this winding path heading south-east. After a short descent, you’ll reach a road.

(8) Leave it on your left and follow the path opposite, which turns left to rejoin the same road at a stop sign.

No signposting

(9) Turn right onto Rue de Port aux Goths, which descends towards Port Meleu Beach.

^GR®8markings: White and Red

(2) Return to the coastal path taken on the way out. Pass Margaret Beach and head towards Grande Plage, then turn right up towards the church car park (S/E).

The route is suitable for trainers.
Please note, the coastal path is also a dog walking area!
Many paths intersect, so please follow the route description carefully.
At Plage des Étangs, naturism is tolerated.

On the coastal path, as a precaution and to protect the vegetation, please stay within the areas marked by the wooden fences.

From mid-June to mid-September, from 08:00 to 13:00, on Wednesdays and Saturdays
From mid-September to the end of December, from 08:00 to 13:00, car park unavailable due to the market.
Alternative parking is available near the Cultural Centre, Rue du Docteur Guépin, approximately 200m away,

Information boards and paintings along the coastal path.
Swimming depending on the season.
Villas dating from the early days of the seaside resort.

Source de Préfailles